Door locking system



May 9, 1950 D. T. AYERS, JR 2,506,851

DooR LOCKING SYSTEM Filed May '7, 194e 2 sheets-sheet 1 Afw'..

Il'A

May 9, 1950 D. T. AYERS, JR

DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 7, 1946 lukas ,O m .52; 5192 Patented May 9, 1950 DOR LOCKING SYSTEM David T. Ayers, Jr., Richmond, Va., assigner to Automatic Shifters, Inc., Richmond, Va., a corporation oi 'Virginia Application May 7, 1946, Serial No. 667,924

16 Claims. (Cl. 70-264) This invention relates to a door latch control mechanism, particularly for motor vehicle doors, and is an improvement over the system shown and described in the copending application of Jeannot G. Ingres and David T. Ayers, led April 17, 1946, Serial No. 662,870 now Patent No. 2,459,029, dated January l1, 1949.

In the copending application referred to there is disclosed and claimed a system ior controlling the latches of motor vehicle doors in a novel manner, both front doors preferably being provided with a push button either of which may be depressed when leaving the car to lock all of the doors of the vehicle. The system is provided with means whereby the pressing of one of the buttons referred to conditions the latches of all ol the doors to be locked, and the insertion and turning of the key in one door lock will unlock all of the doors. Moreover, the system is operative to permit a driver to lock himself or herself in the car while driving, and the operation of an inside door handle when a person leaves the vehicle automatically unlocks the system. This prevents the inadvertent locking of the vehicle when leaving it.

As is well known, it is possible in vehicle door locking systems, including the system described in the co-pending application referred to, for the driver to leave the vehicle and lock the doors with the ignition switch key in the car. In modern motor vehicles, the same key is employed for the door locks, and when the ignition key is locked in the vehicle, therefore, the driver cannot enter the vehicle when returning to it.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a novel door locking system, preferably of the type disclosed in the co-pending application referred to, wherein the door locking system is inoperative if the driver turns off the ignition and then attempts to leave the vehicle and lock the doors.

A further object is to provide a novel system oi the character referred to which is operative for locking the doors with the ignition key in position, provided the ignition key is turned on, thus making it possible to lock in the occupants of a vehicle while driving,

A further object is to provide a system of the character referred to which includes a master locking circuit, the operation of which is dependent upon the operation of a master switch, and to include in such circuit a novel switch controlled by the ignition key, to render the master switch operative to permit the doors to be locked if the ignition switch is in place and turned on or 2 if it is removed, but not if the ignition is turned 01T and the key left in the switch, thus making it impossible for the driver to lock the doors when leaving the car if he has turned off the ignition and left the key in the switch.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing- Figure l is a perspective view of a locking mechanism associated with one of the front doors of a vehicle, parts being broken away and some of the electrical connections being diagrammatically illustrated,

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic showing of the electrical devices employed in the system showing the various control circuits,

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of one of the front vehicle doors showing the preferred location of the push buttons operable for locking the doors, and

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

In Figure 1, a latch mechanism for one of the front vehicle doors of a motor vehicle is illustrated. Referring to Figure 1, the numeral II) designates a carrier plate conventionally employed in most motor vehicles. This carrier plate is housed within the door and is flanged at one end as at I I at the free edge oi the door. A latch bolt I2 is slidable through the ange I'I and is connected to the adjacent end of a flat bar I3 the opposite end portion of which is slotted as at I4 to receive the shank of a guide pin I5 carried by the plate Ill. The bolt I2 and its operating bar I3 accordingly are supported for linear movement toward and away 1 from the keeper (not shown) for the latch I2, and a spring I6 is connected to the bar I3 and plate lli to urge the latch bolt I2 toward latching position. Toward its end remote from the latch bolt I2, the bar I3 is provided with an upwardly extending portion Il having an inturned end I8 for a purpose to be described. The bar I3 is also provided with a y headed pin I9 through which the door may be unlatched from an inside handle mechanism to be referred to later.

A control rod 22 is vertically arranged as shown in Figure 1 between the body of the plate I0 and the bar I3 and is provided with laterally extending fingers 23 and 24 for a purpose to be described. The upper end of the rod 22 is connected to the armature 25, to be referred to later, of a solenoid 26 energizable to move the rod 22 upwardly. A spring 21 urges the rod 22 downwardly, and the lower end of this rod is connected to an offset extension 28 slidable in a guide lip 2S extending laterally from the plate I0. A stop pin 39 engages the lip 29 to limit downward movement of the bar 22 and its extension 28.

A lever indicated as a whole by the numeral 35 is pivoted as at 36 to the plate IG and is provided with three arms 3T, 38 and 3S). The arm 39 is connected by a pin 40 to a bar 4I' the opposite end portion of which is arranged between the fingers 23 and 24. The bar 4I has its free end normally arranged lower than the nger I8 so that turning movement of the lever 35 would move the end of the bar beneath the iinger I3 without imparting movement thereto. It will become apparent that when the solenoid 26 is energized, the nger 24 raises the free end of the bar 4I to position it for engagement with the nnger I8 to impart unlatching movementv to the bar I3. The free end ofthe bar 4I preferably has its upper corner portion right-angularly notched as at'42 for a purpose to .bedescribed The lever arm 37 isarranged to control a small switch indicated as a whole by the numeral and as will be described later, the normal position of the lever arm 31 holds the switch 45 open. 4The lever arm'38 is engagea/.ble by an arm 46 carried by the shaft 51 to which the usual outside door handle 48 is connected. Rotation of the shaft 4l in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1 will effect the unlatching of the latch bolt I2 to permit the door to open, but this is dependent upon energization of the solenoid 2G by movement of the arm 3-1 from the switch 45, which operation will be referred to more in detail later.

Near the bottom of the plate I is arranged a lever 50 'pivotally connected to the plate as at 5I. One end of the lever U, as indicated by the numeral 52, lies against the projection 28 beneath and adjacent lower extremity of the bar 22. The other end 53 of the lever 5G is engageable by an arm 54 carried by the usual shaft 55 controlled by the key-operated lock (not shown). Beneath the lever end 53 is arranged a normally open switch 5 6 which is adapted to be closed upon substantial downward movement of the lever end 53 incident to rotation of the keyoperated shaft 55 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1.

The pin 9 is operable in a slot 6c formed in a link 5I. The opposite end of this link is slotted as at 62 to receive a pin 63 carried by one arm 64 of a bell crank lever 65 connected to the shaft 66 of the usual inside door handle associated with motor vehicle doors. The shaft E6 extends through a plate 6l adjacent to which the bell crank lever 65 is arranged. A normally open switch 68 is carried bythe plate S7 and is adapted to be closed by movement of the other arm 69 of the `bell crank lever upon a door-unlatching turning movement of the shaft B6 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1. A spring ID holds the bell crank lever S5 in the normal position shown in Figure 1, in which position the lever arm t9 holds the switch 68 open.

Assuming that the apparatus is employed with a four-door sedan, the mechanism shown in Figure l will be employed for each front door of the vehicle. The same mechanism also will be employed for the two rear doors except that the key-operated shaft 55 and associated elements, including the lever 50 and switch 56, and the switch 68 associated with the inside door handle, will be omitted.

It will be noted that only one solenoid is used in conjunction with the latch mechanism of each vehicle door. It also will be noted that three small, simple switches are employed for each front door, and only one switch, namely the switch 35, is employed for each rear door. These electrical elements are quite small and cheaply manufactured and are available as standard articles of manufacture. An additional small manually controlled ,switch is associated with each front door. Referring to Figure 3, a portion of one of the front doors of the vehicle has been illustrated and indicated by the numeral 15. This door has the usual window 'I6 having a lower sill ll, and the additional switch referred to is arranged within the door beneath the sill I'I as indicated by the numeral 18. This switch is operable by a push button i9 projecting upwardly through sill 'TI adjacent .the free edge of the door l5. One ofthese switches and a control circuit therefor is preferably provided for each front door and either of these switches may have its push button 'I9 operated 'to eilect the locking of all of the vehicle doors, as will be described.

The wiring system for the mechanism is shown diagrammatically in Figure 2 and the mechanism associated with each individual door has been enclosed within a dotted line rectangle designated by suitable legends to indicate the respective doors. Referring to Figure I2, numeral indicates as a` whole the master switch through which the locking and unlocking functions of the apparatus are controlled. This master switch may be located at any desired Vinaccessible and invisible point in the vehicle, for example, behind the instrument panel, and is suitably housed. The master switch comprises a pair of solenoids 86 and Bl respectively provided with armatures 88 and 89 connected to a switch lever 9B pivoted intermediate the armatures as at 91. The lever 90 is providedwith a projected end 92 to which is connected an over-center spring 93 for holding the lever 90 in either of its two positions to 'be referred to. A lateral projection 94 on the lever el) is engageable with a switch arm whereby, upon energization of the solenoid 81, such switch arm will be moved into engagement with a stationary contact 9B.

A source of current, such as the vehicle battery, is indicated by the numeral ISG, and has one terminal grounded as at IGI. A main supply wire I2 is connected to the other terminal of the battery and is provided with branches IGS and E94 each of which is connected to one terminal of one of the solenoids S6 and 87. The wire |02 leads to the stationary contact 96.

The second terminal of the solenoid 85 is connected to one end of a wire IE5 in which is arranged an ignition key controlled switch, forming the principal subject matter of the present invention and described in detail below. The wire I B5 `branches as at ifor connection with stationary contacts IB? arranged in the switches 18. Each of these switches includes an arm |38 normally held out of engagement with its contact I'IY by its spring H29 and movable into engagement therewith by operation of the associated push button 19. The arm IBS of each push button switch is grounded at I I5).

The second terminal of the solenoid 87 is connected to one end of a wire II5 whichV branches as at. H6 for connection with switch arms III in each of the key-operated switches 56. Each of these switch arms is normally out of engagement with an associated stationary contact ||8 and is held in normal position by a spring H9. Each switch arm I I1 is provided with an operating button engageable by the lever end 53 (Figure 1) to close the switch upon operation of the associated key-operated shaft 55 (Figure 1)''. Each stationary contact ||8 is grounded as at |2|.

The switch arm 95 of the master switch is connected to one end of a wire and this wire is provided with four branches |26. Each of these branches leads to a stationary contact |21 in each of the switches 45. Each switch 45 is provided with a switch arm |28 engageable with the associated contact |21 and normally held out of engagement therewith by a tension spring |29. Each switch arm |28 is provided with an operating button or the like |30 normally engaged by the associated lever arm 31 (Figure l) to keep the switch arms |28 in open position. Each switch arm |28 is connected by a wire |3| to one terminal of the associated solenoid 26, and the other terminal of each of these solenoids is l grounded as at |32.

It is highly desirable to provide in such a system a cooperating means whereby an operator will be prevented from inadvertently leaving the vehicle with the system set for locking the doors. In other words, assuming that the driver may have purposely locked the doors while he is in the vehicle by having depressed one of the buttons 19 (Figure 3) or by having accidentally depressed such button with his hand or elbow, he may later leave the vehicle and close the doors with the ignition key still in the ignition switch. He will thereafter, upon returning to the vehicle, find it impossible to gain entrance thereinto. The switches 68, which may be associated only with the front doors of a four-door vehicle are employed for preventing the driver from inadvertently locking himself out of the vehicle. Referring to Figure 2, each branch wire IIS is provided with a further branch wire |35 leading to a switch arm |35 in each of the switches 68. Each switch arm is urged by a compression spring |31 into engagement with a stationary contact |38, grounded as at |39. Each switch arm |36 is provided with an operating finger |40 or the like normally engaged by the lever arm 69 (Figure 1) of the inside door handle mechanism whereby the switch arms |35 are normally held open. As will become apparent, the opening of either front door from the inside will result in closing one of the switch arms |36 to unlock the entire system.

The foregoing description covers the locking system as described and illustrated in the copending application referred to above, and is the type of system with which the present improvement is particularly adapted to be used. As will be further described below, the system is such that a person leaving a motor vehicle need merely close one of the switches |08 by pushing the associated push button 19 to lock the entire vehicle when leaving it. The system is also such that operation of one of the inside door handles, as described above, will unlock the entire mechanism, thus preventing anyone from leaving the car inadvertently locked. However, the system does not prevent the operator from locking the car with the ignition key in the switch. In most present-day vehicles the same key is used for the ignition, door locks and trunk of a motor vehicle and accordingly if the key is inadvertently locked in the car, the operator will have no way of reentering the car unless he happens to have a spare key with him.

The present invention is concerned particularly with the controlling of a locking system of the character referred to so that the operator, while in the vehicle with the motor running can lock the doors against entrance thereinto from the outside, while at the same time preventing the locking of the doors if the ignition switch is turned olf.

Referring to Figure 2, it will be noted that the system is provided with a control switch indicated as a whole by the numeral |50 in series with the locking solenoid 86. This switch may be conveniently connected in the wire |05 and comprises a stationary contact |5| and a switch arm |52 biased to closed position by a spring |53. The switch arm 52, being in Series with the locking solenoid t5, it is obvious that this solenoid cannot be energized by closing one of the switches |58 if the switch |52 is open. f

rEhe switch |55 is associated with the ignition iock indicated as a whole by the numeral |55. This lock comprises the usual body |56 having a barrel 51 therein in which the ignition key |58 is insertable. This key is provided with the usual notches for operating the tumbler pins of conventional type all but one set of which are indicated by the numeral |59. These tumbler pins are all biased to locking position by springs |50. In accordance with the usual practice each set of tumbler pins is in two parts and the abutting ends of these pins coincide with the cylindrical surface of the barrel |51 when the key is in the lock, thus permitting the barrel |51 to be rotated.

In the present invention, an additional set of tumbler pins is provided, the inner one being indicated by the numeral |65 and the outer one by the numeral |55. The abutting ends of these two pins coincide with the surface of the tumbler |51 when the key is inserted in the lock, as is true of the other tumbler pins referred to. The spring |53, associated with the switch |52, urges the tumbler pin |65 inwardly to locking position, and when the key is inserted in the lock, the pins |54 and |55 move to an ignition unlocking position, and they simultaneously open the switch 52, this being the condition illustrated in Figure 2. It will be obvious, therefore, that with the key |58 in the ignition lock and in the oil position illustrated in Figure 2, the locking solenoid cannot be energized and the vehicle doors accordingly cannot be locked.

It is highly desirable, however, to permit the driver of a vehicle to lock himself or herself in the car while driving to prevent unauthorized entrance into the vehicle. This is provided for in the present construction. Referring to Figure 4 it will be noted that the barrel |51, in the transverse plane of the pin |64, is cut away as at |18 to provide a cam. When the key |58 is in the lock with the ignition turned oir, the barrel |51 is in the position ishown in Figures 2 and 4, in which case, the switch |52 is open and the doors cannot be locked. To turn on the ignition, the operator will rotate the key in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 4, in which case the pin |55 will be turned angularly toward the left out of alignment with the pin |55, and when the ignition switch (not shown) reaches the "on position, the lower end of the pin |65 will rest in the lowermost portion of the cam groove |58. In this position of the pin |65, the switch |52 will be 'The' masterV` switch' 85A is "normally arranged' with the'lever Sii 'swung 'clockwise-tol-its normalposition r`holding Avthe switch *arm 95 "in engagement with the" Contact '96. Under 'such conditions, a circuit is closed thr'ough'each ofthe solenoids `26 except 'at' the respective switclfies V145. *These switches are normally open, as stated above, and accordingly "no current riornfiallyl ows through the'soIenoi'dsf'26. 'Assuming that the operator' is "outsideY the 'car' and 'desires to enterthereinto; he will operate V'one of the handles fll' in the usual manner, yturning the 'associated'shaft '41 in the dii'ection'of the arrow 'in AFigure 1. TheV arm "46 will tui-n inthe'sarne' di1e'ction"ad,"in engaging -thelever arm 38, will: 'rockf the lever'35'in a coun- 'terclckwise direction. 'The lever arm 31 thus will'startto move generally'toward the -left 'in Figure 1, and the iirst increment of movement of the 'lever '35 thus will`releasethe switch "arm |28 of theasso'c'iated switch' 45, the lever arm 3l relieving'pressure 'onthe'buttn I 3B. 'This willf complete a circuitfthrough the associated solernod 26iftol`gi'oundil'32 zand'through ground |0| back to the source'l'l.

Energization ofth solenoid 26 will Vlift the armature 1' 25 andthe associated bar'Z?VV andY the n- Vger 24 'will' elevate the bar 4| into a' positionin alignment'witlr the finger l"l 8 Continued roperation', of the handle "'48 liii/"ill then continue y'the counterclockwise rotation' of the lever35 Yand the lbar "Mfw'illeiert a, vpressurefn the nger i8 lto move-the latch ibolt bar'l3fad latch |2to the right to unlatch the door. The door thus may be 'opened'rnanuallyin the usual inianner, and when theoperator Ai"eleas'esfthe `ha'ri'clle 48, the parts 'operated' thereby will return to 'their normal po- 's'i'tionsftvith the leverarm '3l depressing th'pre- `viously f'p'e'rated button |30 Ato open-the associatedfsu/itch 45. The associated'latchoperating -bar`f4|-wil1 thus'be dropped belowthef'iingerl to itsV normal position.

Assuming that-thefoperator VVwill have operated the 'handled' with extreme Vapidityfit is possible that the lupperV 'corner'Y of; the free end-of the bar ;4i, in the absence-ofthentch"42s `might have fmoved beneatl'i the finger |8"during such comf. --plete rapid movement of the handle-48- -In5prac t'ice, it has beenfound`thatbyprovidinglthe notch 2, such inadvertent 'operation '-isr -prevented. *if thef'reeend "off thejbar 14| Ireachesa position with its extremity in vertical'alig'riment Rviththe forward" face of the irig'er' i8 before the 'previouslydescribed. n I

It will be apparent that thecircuitthrough either solenoid l 26j l,may loeI closed by operation'of 'each solenoid-'25`- is dependent upon thefpolsition of"- the parts of the 'master switchff, v"The cir- '-socated withsuch'door. Under such conditions, "assuming thatthe ignition'key '|58 has Vbeen re- Pmoved, current will flow from the source |00 4through vwires |02 and |03, solenoid 86, Wire H15 'and either wire |06, dependent upon which front td'o'o'r push button' is operated, thence through the fassociatedfcontact i'l and switch arm |88 and -Ib'a'ckf4 to the battery' through grounds U and IDI. Thelocking solenoidv 86 thus will 'be energized and its armature 88 will swing the lever 90 to the Vposition'shown vfin'Figu're'lthe switch arm 95 beingfd'isengaged fromy the contact r96. The main feontrolcircuit, having 'thus been 'broken' between fconta'ct' and switch arm 96, the operation of 'anfontside door handle will not close a circuit through the' 'associated solenoid 26 and the door V*cannot lbe opened. Under such conditions, a dom-:openingoperation of the handle 8 will move thela'ssociated bar'l 'while the latter remains in its Vlower position'and the'free end of the bar `rwill'merely irnove'beneath the finger I8, and acicor'dinglyno motion 'can be imparted to this iinger or to the latch bar I3 and latch bolt |2. The doortlius will remain latched.

Assuming thatthe operator has forgotten to remove the ignition key when turning oi the motor, the key-.f 58 will occupy the position shown "in Fignres 2 and i and the-act of turning off the ignition'will have resulted in the cam groove |68 -Figure 4) moving the pin |64 upwardly to transinit similar :"movementthrough'the pin |65 to 'open the switch"|52. `When the operator then leaves-thevehicle, the locking circuit described "above'cannot be closed since the switch arm |52 'will bein series 'with the locking solenoid 85. Everyone, when locking vehicle doors, instinctively turns the door knob on the outside to assure'himselfftlfiat'the doors are locked before leavingthe vehicle. Under the conditions just referredto,'the"opcrator will nd that the doors 'are not 'locked and will immediately appreciate 'the'factv thatV he'lias'left the ignition key in the "switch,

vUp-'on removal of the'l ignition key, the pin |64 fwillfdrop andthe spring |53 will urge the switch farm |52 to its'f closed position. The operator may tlfieieupo'n depress one of the buttons 19, and the -locking'circuit*willbe energized in the manner 'described above.

y -Wh'en the operator'returns'to the car and desires' to unlock the doors, he will insert a key in vvthe 'flock 'oi coni'entional construction (not `fsfiown) provided in4 each front door and will turn "the key and consequently the associated shaft 55 f-'tFigureN `inthe direction indicated by the ar- L 'engage the lever end 53 Fand?'frno've'it?downwardly until it engages and 'ni'ov'esthe associatedbutton |29 downwardly, whereupon Ythe corresponding switch arm E il yvv'll'eng'aged/lie stationary Contact' E I8. The curfrentwill t'h'enfflow from the battery iii?! through -fwiresillE-'and m4, through solenoid 8? and wire lf|'5," -thvroug'h -one lof? the wires 55, depending llon'fiilhichffront door lock is being operated, thence' through the-corresponding switch Il and conta-ct H8 and H-back to the lsource through -g'lroun'ds'flt and'ii. This operation energizes 's'ole'no idiandV the-armature $9 will swing the l-`-`a1'=n1"-'3'baciato' its-normal position to engage the -fswiteh arm 19E-with the Contact 95. VThe door Cfonti-ol circuits'will-then Ibe 'restored to their nor- Vln'al conditions' and either 1Vdoor handle may be opei'ated to operiL the'corres'ponding door. Thus r`v'it-will be'ap'parentthat the mere turning ofthe store all of the door control circuits associated with the outside handles and either vehicle door may be opened from the outside.

The over-center spring 93 is employed for holding the switch lever 90 in either of its two positions after it has been moved to such position. As is true of all of the circuits in the apparatus, the circuits for the solencids 85 and 8l are only momentarily closed, thus minimizing the drain on the battery, and the master switch parts will remain indefinitely in either position to which they are moved.

It is becoming the increasing practice, as a matter of safety, for drivers, and particularly women, to lock the doors of a motor Vehicle while they are driving or remaining inside of the vehicle. It will be apparent that the driver of a vehicle equipped with the present system may push one oi the buttons le at any time, assuming that the ignition is turned on, and the doors of the vehicle will be locked. In this connection, it will be noted that so long as the ignition key is on, the pin |55 will be lowered into the cam groove 68 and the switch arm H52 will be closed, thus permitting an occupant of a vehicle to lock himself in. Thus the occupant is protected against the unauthorized entrance of anyone into the vehicle, for example a bandit attempting to enter the vehicle while the latter is stopped by a traiic light. However, if the motor is stop-ped by turning off the ignition switch, the switch arm E52 will be opened to prevent the operator from leaving the vehicle and locking it with the ignition key in the ignition switch. Under all conditions in which the locking of the vehicle doors is desirable, therefore, the locking solenoid 85 can be energized at any time by pushing one of the buttons I9,

Assuming that the operator has locked the doors while inside of the vehicle, the solenoid 8S will have been energized to open the master switch 94. When the ignition switch 558 is then turned off and the switch E52 is opened in the manner described, it will have no eiect on the system, the master switch Shi merely remaining open. If the driver then desires to leave the vehicle, regardless of whether the doors are to be locked, the turning of one of the inside door handles (not shown) to turn the associated shaft 66 in the direction of the arrow in Figure l, manually pulls the bar Si to unlatch the door. At the same time, the lever arm 69 will move upwardly to release the associated button lli@ and the corresponding switch arm 36 will engage the stationary Contact |38.

Each of the switches S8 is in parallel with its associated key-operated switch 56 and functions in the same manner to energize the unlocking solenoid 8l. rhus if the car has been locked from the inside, the mere opening of the door will result in energizing the unlocking solenoid 87 to restore the unlocking position of the master switch. Thereaiter, the master switch cannot be again operated by the locking solenoid 86 until the ignition key has been removed from the lock in the manner stated.

It is therefore possible for the operator to lock himself in the car so long as the engine is running, but it is impossible for nim to leave the car without energizing the unlocking solenoid 8l. It is thereafter impossible for him to lock the car with the ignition key in the switch since another operation of the locking solenoid 85 is required and such operation cannot be performed until the ignition key is removed.

I claim:

l. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and means for operating the latch bolt to release it comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and 01T positions;` a device movable between a rst position in which said handle is operative to release the latch bolt and a second position in which the handle is inoperative for releasing the latch bolt, said device being biased out of said iirst position, means operable upon initial operation of the handle for moving said device to said rst position, manually controllable means operable for rendering said last-named means ineffective for moving said device to its first position, and means operated by the turning of the ignition key to oi-f position for preventing operation of said manually controllable means.

2. In a locking mechanism tor a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and means for operating the latch bolt to release it comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and off positions; a device movable between a first position in which said handle is operative to release the latch bolt and a second position in which the handle is inoperative for releasing the latch bolt, said device being biased out of said i'irst position, means operable upon initial operation of the handle for moving said device to said rst position, manually controllable means operable for rendering said last-named means ineffective for moving said device to its rst position, and electrical means including a circuit controlled by the ignition switch and opened when the ignition key is turned to oil position for preventing operation of said manually operable means.

3. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and means for operating the latch bolt to release it comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and oni positions; a device movable between a irst position in which said handle is operative to release the latch bolt and a second position in which the handle is inoperative for releasing the latch bolt, said device being biased out of said iirst position, electro-magnetic means for moving said device to said rst position upon initial operation of the door handle, a circuit for said electromagnetic means including a, door handle-operable switch, and a control circuit energizable for preventing said switch from closing said iirstnamed circuit, said control circuit including an ignition keycontrolled switch movable to open position when the ignition key is turned to "oi position.

1l. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, a handle for releasing the latch bolt, a member movable to a first position in which the handle is operative for releasing the latch bolt and to a second position in which 'the handle is inoperative for releasing the latch bolt, the vehicle having a key-operated ignition switch movable between on and oi positions; said member being biased to said second position, a solenoid energizable for moving said member to said rs't position, a circuit for said solenoid, a control switch in said circuit movable to closed position upon initial operation accessi of the handle, a master switch in said-circuit movable between open and closed positions, and electro-magnetic control means for said master switch comprising. a circuit including an ignition key-controlled switch movable to'open posi tionvwhen the ignition switch is in ofi position for preventing said electro-magnetic control means from closing said master switch.

5. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch-bolt, ra, handle'for releasing the latch bolt, a member movable to a rst position in which the handle isoperative for releasing the latch bolt and to a second position in which the handle is inoperative'for releasing the latch bolt, the vehicle having a key-operated ignition switch movable between on and off positions; said member being biased to said second. position, a solenoid energizable for moving said member to said rst position, a circuit )forA said solenoid, a control switch in said circuit niovable to closed position upon initial operation of the handle, a master switch in said circuitv mov- -able between open and closed positions, an electro-magnetic device energizable for moving seid master switch to closed position, a secondelectromagnetic device for moving said master switch to open position, and a circuit for said second electro-magnetic device comprising an ignition key-operated switchmovable to open position by movement ofA the ignition key to 01T position 6. In a locking mechanism for a. door oi a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, a handlefor releasing the latch bolt, a member movable to a rst position in which the handle is operative for releasing the latch' bolt and .toi a second position' in. which the handle is'inoperative for releasing the latch bolt, theY vehicle having a key-operated ignition switch movable'between on andv oi positions; said member being biased .to saidsecondposition, av solenoid energizable for movingsaid member to saidirst position, a circuit for said solenoid, e..

control switch in said circuit movable to closed position upon initial operation of the handle, a A.j

master switch in said circuit movable between open and closed positions, anunlo'cking solenoid energizable for closing said master switch,.a circuit for such solenoidV including a doory keyop erated switch, a locking solenoid for opening said master switch, and a circuit for said locking solenoid comprisingY an. ignition key-operated switch. movable to open position when the ignition key is turned to off position.

'7. In a locking mechanism for a door of. a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and means-for operating the latch bolt to release it comprisinga door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and"oi positions; a control circuit energizable for rendering said operating means inoperative for releasing the latchbolt uponoperation ofthe door handle, said circuit including a pair of switches one of which is manually operable, and/means for controlling the other of said switches in accordance with the position of, the ignitionswitch whereby said other switchwill be closed when the ignition switch is in on position and opened when the ignition switch-is` in on position.

8. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the doorV is provided with a latch bolt. and means for operating the latch bolt to release it comprisinga door handle, and wherein'the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a keyibetween onv and olir positions; a solenoid energizable for rendering said operating means operative forA releasing the latch bolt upon movement of the door handle, a circuit for said solenoid including a master switch, means for moving said master switch to closed position, a solenoid for opening said master switch, and a circuit for said last-named solenoid comprising apair of switches one of which is manually operable to closesuch circuit if the other switch is closed, said other switch being mechanically operable by the ignition switch'to be closed when the ignition switch is in on" position'and opened-when the ignition switch isl in off position.

9. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with alatch bolt, and means for operating the latch bolt to releaseit comprising a door handle, and wherein the Vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and "oiP positions; electro-magnetic means energizable for rendering said operating means operativefor releasing the latch bolt, a circuit for said electromagnetic means comprising a pair of switches one of which is closed by initial'door-opening movement of the door handle and the other of which is a master switch, a rst solenoid for closing said master switch, a second solenoid for opening said master switch, anda circuit for said second solenoid comprising a pair of switches one of which is manually operated and the other of which is associated with the ignition switch, said last-named switch being controlled by the ignition switch to be closed when the ignition switch is in on position and opened when the ignition switch is in off position.

10. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and meansV for operating the latch bolt to release it comprising a door handle, and wherein. the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and oi positions; electro-magnetic means energizable for. rendering said operating means operative for releasing the latch bolt, a circuit for said electromagnetic means comprising a pair of switches one ofr which is closed byinitial door-opening movement ofY the door handle and the other of which is a master switch, a rst solenoid for closing said master switch, a second solenoid for opening said master switch, and a circuit for said second solenoid comprising a pair ofswitches one of which is manually operated and the other of which is associated with the ignition switch, the ignition switch having a rotatable barrel provided with a cam groove formed therein perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said barrel, and a pin engageable with said barrel and engaging said last-named switch to open it when the ignition switch is iny o position, said pin being movable into said cam groove for the closing of said last-named switch whenthe ignition switch is in on position.

11. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle whereinthe door is provided with a latch bolt, means for operating the latch bolt' to reiease it, comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a-key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and off positions; said operating means being normally ineective for releasing the latch bolt, control means for said operating means adapted to assume two conditions. in. which it is respectively operative and inoperative for rendering said op- 13 erating means effective for releasing the latch bolt upon operation of the door handle, and means operated by the ignition key when the ignition switch is in ofi position for maintaining the operative condition of said control means.

12. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, means for operating the latch bolt to release it, comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and off positions; said operating means being normally ineii'ective for releasing the latch bolt, control means for said operating means adapted to assume two conditions in which it is respectively operative and inoperative for rendering said operating means eiective for releasing the latch bolt upon operation of the door handle, and means comprising an electric switch operated by the ignition key when the ignition switch is in off position for maintaining the operative condition of said control means.

13. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor rvehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, means for operating the latch bolt to release it, comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch movable by a key between on and off positions; said operating means being normally ineffective for releasing the latch bolt, control means for said operating means adapted to assume two conditions in which it is respectively operative and inoperative for rendering said operating means effective for releasing the latch bolt upon operation of the door handle, a circuit energizable for establishing the inoperative condition of said control means, and means operable by the ignition switch key when the ignition switch is in oi position to maintain said circuit open.

14. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, means for operating the latch bolt to release it, comprising a door handle, and wherein the vehicle has a key-operated ignition switch 5 movable by a key between on and off positions; said operating means being normally ineffective for releasing the latch bolt, control means for said operating means adapted to assume two conditions in which it is respectively operative and inoperative for rendering said operating means effective for releasing the latch bolt upon operation of the door handle, a first circuit energizable for establishing the inoperative condition of said control means, and a second circuit including a switch movable by the ignition switch when the latter is in off position to maintain said rst circuit open.

15. In a locking mechanism for a door of a motor vehicle wherein the door is provided with a latch bolt, and inside and outside handles for operating the latch bolt; means connecting the inside door handle to the latch bolt to operate it, operating connections between the outside door handle and the latch bolt for operating the latter upon operation of the outside door handle, said operating connections being normally ineffective for releasing the latch bolt, control means for said operating connections adapted to assume two conditions in which it is respectively operative and inoperative for rendering said operating connections effective for releasing the latch bolt upon operation of the door handle, manual means operative for establishing the inoperative condition of said control means, means operable by the inside door handle for establishing the operative condition of said control means, and means operable by the ignition key when the ignition switch is in off position for rendering said manual means inoperative.

16. Apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 15 wherein said manual means comprises an electric circuit, said means operated by the ignition key comprising a switch for maintaining said circuit open when the ignition switch is in 01T position.

DAVID T. AYERS, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,699,398 Lach Jan. 15, 1929 2,162,567 Shobel et al June 13, 1939 2,329,309 Ward et al Sept. 14, 1943 

